Dreams PV - need some input!

I am trying to plan my upcoming wedding at Dreams PV and am trying to decide between the onsite WC and an offsite one...

I am feeling a little panicky - we have a list of "probable guests" that adds up to about 38 ppl... We all know though that you can't count on probable - you have to wait until people make their deposit...

If I go with an outside WC, I am looking at a fairly significant cost, which I don't mind paying IF I have those 30+ guests...

If I only end up with half (or less) the guests (12-16), I am concerned that the cost using the outside coordinator will be too high when its all said and done...

I have tried to contact the WC at Dreams so that I can compare pricing, etc and make some sort of decision... I have sent two emails and still nothing (its been two weeks)... I need to get moving and firm up a date, etc!

I can find lots of info from people about their experiences with the outside WC... Can anyone provide me with more insight on having the Dreams WC take care of all the details? If the onsite WC takes care of things, what little things do I need to worry about on top of that?

I am trying to plan my upcoming wedding at Dreams PV and am trying to decide between the onsite WC and an offsite one...

I am feeling a little panicky - we have a list of "probable guests" that adds up to about 38 ppl... We all know though that you can't count on probable - you have to wait until people make their deposit...

If I go with an outside WC, I am looking at a fairly significant cost, which I don't mind paying IF I have those 30+ guests...

If I only end up with half (or less) the guests (12-16), I am concerned that the cost using the outside coordinator will be too high when its all said and done...

I have tried to contact the WC at Dreams so that I can compare pricing, etc and make some sort of decision... I have sent two emails and still nothing (its been two weeks)... I need to get moving and firm up a date, etc!

I can find lots of info from people about their experiences with the outside WC... Can anyone provide me with more insight on having the Dreams WC take care of all the details? If the onsite WC takes care of things, what little things do I need to worry about on top of that?

Am I panicking for no reason?

Thanks!!

Jenn

Hi Jenn-

I've had a really hard time getting in touch with the wedding coordinator at Dreams PV - her name is Gaby Rojas. I have been trying to get in touch with her for several weeks now about changing my wedding date (from June 6, 2009 to an earlier spring date). I emailed multiple times and called and left several messages because I figured the dates might be booked. She just got back to me and of course all but one of the six days I was offering (in april and may) were booked. My last choice was available. We've decided to stick with June 6 even though we are worried about rain. Seems like we have a chance of dry weather since this is the beginning of the rainy season.

Anyways, about the Dreams WC, Gaby. I asked her when I first spoke with her (sometime in May) about whether I should look into hiring an outside coordinator (I mentioned Dazzling Details). She said she has worked with them before, and that I should have them write up a quote for me if I want something really "special". She said she can arrange a lot of things, but she won't have as many options for linens, etc., although she can also try to arrange for special rentals.

At that time I asked her to check into a band I heard last year at the Marriott. She said she could call to contact them, but of course she has not followed up.

I too have been grappling with the decision of wether or not to hire an outside coordinator, but I've decided that I am okay with doing several things myself. (I called the Marriott today and got the contact information for the band "Jai", because I'm tired of waiting and want to lock them in.)

I figure that if you are willing to do a little legwork and take the initiative to plan the tablescape details and book the band and photographer, then Gaby should be sufficient for coordinating the day of the event. I too only have a possible guestlist between 20 and 40. I plan to bring several items down and integrate white linens and plates into my table design in an effort to simplify and work within the hotels' typical parameters. I've seen other posts that mention Gaby and I believe they noted that she isn't great with following up because she is busy working also as a waitress (a fact I can confirm because of the several times I've called she's been working the lunch shift.)

Sorry to ramble, but to be more specific: if your budget allows I'm sure an outside coordinator will take the stress off. But if your budget is more of a consideration and you are willing to simplify and supplement the DIY way then you can probably make do with Gaby's complimentary services the day of...

By the way, I know I'm late to respond on this. Maybe you've already booked?

Two things ... first, keep in mind that Gabi is THE ONLY coordinator for all of Dreams - and often times they can have 2-3weddings going on the same day during the busy season. So, it's a lot to handle. She's a GREAT person, but anyone would have a hard time doing all the things she's expected to do. So, an outside coordinator can really be a help if you have a lot of additional items you would like in your wedding.

Second - However, if it's just details you want (tablecloths, napkins, centerpieces, placecards, special bouquet, favors, special cake, etc.) than you might want to keep us in mind - that's ALL we do. However, we don't handle anything to do with logistical coordination (i.e. musicians, sound system, scheduling, etc.).

i'm sorry i missed this thread!!!!! i used gaby. i struggled with whether or not to hire an outside wc, but after i got dazzling details' quote? oh HELL no. to be honest, i did the work. she went along with whatever i did, but i did all of the work. i found a dj, i told her what to rent, what i wanted, and bought/made/brought everything i wanted incorporated. closer to the wedding, she was verygood, but months out, i was SO unhappy, to the point where my ta called her boss. the day of, and even the few days before, she was totally available for questions, changes, etc. keep in mind, i think she also works as a waitress at dreams, so she really is VERY busy. that is dreams' fault, tho, not gaby's.

i'm sorry i missed this thread!!!!! i used gaby. i struggled with whether or not to hire an outside wc, but after i got dazzling details' quote? oh HELL no. to be honest, i did the work. she went along with whatever i did, but i did all of the work. i found a dj, i told her what to rent, what i wanted, and bought/made/brought everything i wanted incorporated. closer to the wedding, she was verygood, but months out, i was SO unhappy, to the point where my ta called her boss. the day of, and even the few days before, she was totally available for questions, changes, etc. keep in mind, i think she also works as a waitress at dreams, so she really is VERY busy. that is dreams' fault, tho, not gaby's.

I was the same when I saw the DD quote. I decided to go with Prisar but also got quotes from other wedding planners. Try EM weddings, MarWeddings and there are a few others. I agree that you can do alot of it yourself and yes, Gaby is overwhelmed. We are having our guests stay at Dreams and because she is doing another wedding the same day we decided to have our ceremony somewhere else. I have to be the center of attention that day and I'd hate to see another wedding going on at the same time. If you want more recommendations on wedding planners I can send you a list. We met with them in person and they are all very helpful.

Hey ladies sorry I have been MIA, but I am back and ready to feed lots of info to everyone. I just got back from PV.

Jenn,

I am having my ceremony at the Dreams next May, and my wedding coordinator Kristin from Dazzling Details is setting it up. I am paying a little extra to her since our reception is going to be at a different location.

I think if you are having a small intimate ceremony going with the inhouse WC is fine. Going with an outside coordinator I feel is if you really want to design a celebrations that matches your personality...

Lauren- I'm not sure the size of your wedding, but I didn't have the same response from DD. I am having my wedding at two locations for 70-80 people and with Plush Catering and my proposal for both (including 4 hours open bar) was under 19K. Were you doing anything special or having a large wedding?

Jenn- I am using Kristin from DD and yes they do everything here is a list of things she is doing for me: booking DJ/Mariachi band, all decor/design, managing Plush Catering- I chose to go with them myself and she offered to manage them; though she does do her own catering also, booking our transportation, firewords, transport day of wedding (we are having two venues Dreams and Villa Mediterreano), okay to sum it up she does it all. I honestly don't have the time, so it is worth it to me. I had a hard enough time making my own wedding invites, plus some of other brides, fining the wedding attire, music selection and such. I really wanted to be hands off. Kristin is amazing for both hands off and on brides. I only received another quote from EM Vallarta, their price was more than Kristin's, but it didn't include my themed decor (which is important to me).

I am having approx. 70-80 guests and with my catering we are paying less than 19K. This also includes 4 hours of open bar, all entertainment, decor, rentals for both ceremony location and villa reception.

I do know that Danielle, on the site, just got a quote for 21K for 80 or so guests from DD for 2010.

My final decision was made when I received a quote for my wedding from Dreams that was $16K for my wedding and it wasn't that much more to get Kristin's amazing talent and pick my own caterer.